‘New York Undercover’ Creator Was 68
Kevin Arkadie, the talented American television producer known for creating the groundbreaking police drama “New York Undercover” alongside Dick Wolf, has passed away at the age of 68.
Arkadie, born on December 10, 1957, was raised in Maryland and later pursued a BFA in acting from Southern Methodist University in Dallas before venturing to Los Angeles to kickstart his entertainment career. His journey began as a staff writer on the NBC drama series “I’ll Fly Away,” setting the stage for his future success in the industry.
His most notable achievement came in 1994 when he co-created “New York Undercover” with Dick Wolf. The series, featuring Malik Yoba and Michael DeLorenzo as undercover NYPD officers, made history as the first American cop drama to showcase two people of color as the leads. Running for four seasons on Fox until 1999, the show left a lasting impact on television history.
Following the success of “New York Undercover,” Arkadie went on to produce hit series such as “Chicago Hope” on CBS, “NYPD Blue” on ABC, and “The Shield” on FX. His versatility as a writer and producer shone through as he contributed to projects like the NBC miniseries “The Temptations” and served as showrunner on BET’s “Sacrifice” for two seasons. His outstanding work earned him two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Drama Series in 1996 and 1998.
In recent years, Arkadie collaborated with Lamar Richardson and Zaire Julion-Richardson’s Ivy Lion Productions on the TV project “Freeman Ranch,” showcasing his continued dedication to storytelling. His extensive resume also includes credits on shows like “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” “Law & Order,” “High Incident,” “Rescue 77,” “Ambitions,” and “The Quad.”
In July, Arkadie bravely shared his battle with kidney failure in an Instagram video, shedding light on his health struggles. Since his passing on December 22, tributes from colleagues and collaborators have poured in, highlighting his immense impact on the industry.
Dick Wolf praised Arkadie as a trailblazer who brought diversity to network television and emphasized his invaluable contributions to the world of storytelling. Lamar Richardson described Arkadie as a consummate professional and true collaborator, while Arkadie’s cousin and fellow producer, L True Green, hailed him as one of America’s greatest storytellers.
Survived by his wife and family, Kevin Arkadie leaves behind a legacy of innovation and creativity that will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of working with him. His passion for storytelling and commitment to diversity have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, ensuring that his memory will endure through the timeless stories he helped bring to life.
